Receiving a feather   is a very important and responsible event. Feathers are given for many reasons, but always to encourage and recognize people for their deeds on behalf of others, whether it is given within the family or the community. In this way, an award of a feather is not something earned like a merit badge, but a powerful gift of encouragement and recognition of a person’s responsibility to the people.
            Once receiving the feather, the new keeper displays and uses it to remind everyone of the presence of something higher. Care is taken to avoid having the feather fall to the ground and someday it may be given to another person as the occasion rises.
            Feathers reflect the fact that no matter what physical obstacles are put in our way   during our life’s journey, we all have the ability to rise above our fears and limitations and, in so doing, we will be able to rise to new levels of understanding.
            A feather symbolizes a new beginning!
It means a new life ahead.
 A feather symbolizes hope and good luck.
 Look into your feather and seek new possibilities.
 The ability to speak from your heart, to speak honestly, and to speak  without anger so as not to hurt anyone.
If you have been given a feather, put it out for everyone to see. This will be a constant reminder of the good things in life, a reminder of the power in knowledge, a reminder to remain honest and calm.

Flying free with creative thought is a privilege,

Sharon Girdwood